The woman puts her hand on the man’s chest, and I see long, perfectly-manicured red claws. But the man, who has his back to me, takes a step back. I cringe. The floor is still wet, and if he falls, it’ll mean a lawsuit. Technically, he’d have to sue the owner of the house, but it would still be considered my fault. I’d be fired.
“I think you should go, Brina.”
The woman, who must be Brina, pouts.
“You don’t mean that, Elliot. No need to be extra cautious. We’re the only ones here.”
This is where I should announce my presence. I’m about to open my mouth and put a stop to this scene when Elliot cuts me off.
“Brina, I’m going to say it again. It’s time for you to leave.”
Brina pouts, and clearly, this woman is used to getting her way. She is not taking no for an answer, especially not when there’s a man like Elliot around. Although I can’t see his face, I can tell from his broad back and deep black hair that he’s likely very handsome.
But his looks have nothing to do with me. What I need is for this couple, or whoever they are, to leave before they realize I’m here. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong, but I don’t want to get caught. They might accuse me of eavesdropping or being a voyeur, and that’s not me. I’m trying to earn a paycheck, that’s all, and Sparkle Maid is my lifeline. I can’t afford to lose this job because of a ridiculous situation.
Plus, if they don’t leave soon, I won’t be able to finish cleaning in time to cut out early, and I really want to get home before the sun goes down today.
But who are these people? I turn to sneak a peek at them. Brina appears to be wearing business clothes, but really sexy ones. She has a blouse with a bow that ties around her neck, and her blonde hair is swept into an Ivana Trump-style chignon. Elliot, whose face I still can’t see, is wearing a dark suit.
It’s possible they work at Millbrook Manor. I don’t know, and it really doesn’t matter because even if they do work in the house, why are they here? Rooms being cleaned are usually off-limits. They’re probably tracking dirt all over my recently scrubbed floors, and I’ll be pissed if I have to clean them all over again.
I squint at the area around their feet. It looks okay so far. Okay great. I take a deep breath, ready to announce myself, but then the blonde woman springs into action. She literally puts a hand on his chest and pushes him until he’s backed up against the desk. Oh shit, they’re so close to me now! I’m still crouched behind this dang suit of armor, but I can see them clearly. And god help me, but they still think they’re alone. Who knows what shenanigans are going to happen next?
I glance longingly at the door. How do I make my escape?
Then, Brina puts her long claws on Elliot’s broad chest, and leans in, her eyes closed and lips pursed. A look of disgust flits across his face, which she doesn’t see, and then he averts his head. The guy isn’t going for it.
“Brina, I’m serious. Don’t make me call Edwards.”
Please, please, please call Edwards. Save me from this situation. Help me escape. I bet they’re not even supposed to be in here. Offices are usually off-limits to the general staff, and these people likely aren’t supposed to be here either.
Then, Elliot turns around, and I hold my breath. Oh shit, I hope he doesn’t see me. I stay perfectly still, barely breathing, but then the air freezes in my lungs when I catch a glimpse of his face. This guy isn’t just handsome; he’s downright gorgeous.
Deep blue eyes wince a bit as he dodges Brina’s kiss again. He’s got black hair swept off a strong brow; a square-cut jaw; and bronzed skin that suggests summer in St. Barth’s. I’d love to get a piece of him.
But of course, this man is way out of my league. Handsome men wearing suits don’t exactly date the maid scrubbing the floor. He cringes slightly again at Brina’s proximity and then makes his escape by side-stepping her to stand by a window. Brina is disappointed, but not dissuaded, and she follows him. This girl is not giving up. I would admire her persistence if I wasn’t so annoyed with this whole situation right now.
“Elliot, you don’t have to be afraid. This can stay between us. Why are you resisting?”
The look on his face is frozenly polite.
“Because I’m not interested, Brina. What don’t you understand about that?”
Brina wraps her arms around Elliot’s waist from behind. If I hadn’t been a witness to his objections, I would think this was a nice photo opportunity. Except that it’s not. The woman continues with her endless chase, and it actually starts getting pretty pathetic, to be honest. Two minutes of Brina trying to coax Elliot into kissing her turns into ten. The guy has said no in every single possible way, but this woman just doesn’t get it. I’m not sure what her end game is. Does she want sex? Or compliments? Or attention? It’s really unclear right now.